When deciding where to take your trips in retirement, don’t overlook things like the food you love, the language you speak, the easy use of your credit cards with no exchange rates and so much more if you decide to travel within the USA in retirement.

We tend to linger in the area where we live and rarely venture outside of certain boundaries. In checking out a restaurant on TripAdvisor recently I discovered a well written piece about local travel. I loved it and I think you will too. I will put a small excerpt here and then click the more button to read their full blog post on TripAdvisor.

And if you don’t have a presence on TripAdvisor – I highly recommend you do! You will find very thorough reviews and nice details on places to go and restaurants – fast food, casual dining and very expensive places too! Ok – enjoy reading this post↓

“You don’t have to jet set to the Caribbean or splurge on a trip to Bali to enjoy a relaxing island getaway. On the contrary, you’ll find plenty of alluring options in the United States—no passport required, for domestic travelers. With pristine beaches, thought-provoking arts and culture scenes, and hyped restaurants and bars, these U.S. island destinations offer everything you need to really rest and recharge on vacation—and then some.

Ready to be on island time? Start planning a trip to one of these top islands for vacation in the U.S.

Consider Santa Catalina Island, CA

Hikes, golf courses, beaches, wildlife, and seafood make sunny Santa Catalina Island —known as Catalina, for short—a popular vacation spot off the coast of Southern California.

After a quick ferry ride from San Pedro, Ling Beach, Newport Beach or Dana Point, you’ll arrive in the town of Avalon. From there, take your pick of high-adrenaline adventures like scuba diving and parasailing or more low-key activities like shopping on Front Street (real name: Crescent Avenue) and strolling through the Catalina Island Museum. Also be sure to carve out time for a guided tour of the Catalina Casino. It’s the island’s most iconic landmark and a shining example of 1920s Art Deco architecture and design.

Hotels range from cozy bed-and-breakfasts like the Old Turner Inn to upscale retreats like Mt. Ada (the former home of chewing gum magnate William Wrigley Jr., who was instrumental in putting Catalina on the map) to modern waterfront properties like Hotel Metropole. . . .” – this is the beginning of a great article and to read the entire article click through to TripAdvisor. I included it here in my post “Travel within the USA in Retirement” as it gives great examples of traveling right here in the US!

Ease of Travel

• CLOTHING – When you travel abroad you must take care in traveling light so your packing gets super creative. Will it be hot? Cold? Is it raining in London? So you must be super efficient. When traveling by car you have more space to bring different types of clothing.
• LANGUAGE – Will you offend the French if you don’t speak French? Maybe – maybe not. But just this question in your head brings anxiety. You don’t want to offend anyone. Will you then just be silent and never speak to someone? Traveling to locations with an English language majority would just take the edge off of this problem.
• PASSPORT – Do you have an updated Passport? Mine expired one month before COVID hit. I didn’t even consider going anywhere for a long time, now it’s been a while! The long wait time might mean you can’t get out of the country until Fall. USA road trip it is! Travel within the USA in retirement is easy.
• FRIENDS – Have some friends along the way? Tell them your plans and do a drive-by or stay longer depending on your friendship. What a great way to actually see and talk with them in person instead of online! Make it happen!
• PETS – You may want to travel with your pet. That is up to you, but the stress of leaving them behind might be too much for you to handle. Make them a special place in the car and make it fun for everyone! What an adventure!
• LESS WAITING – Have you noticed delays in flights and departures? Issues with planes (Boeing) and constant changes with schedules. You might consider taking part of your trip on a train and renting a car for the remainder. Don’t hang around waiting, waiting, waiting – make your trip amazing with side trips and more.

I hope you’ve enjoyed thinking about travel within the USA in retirement.

When you have a plan you can save for it too. You hesitate to buy something knowing a big trip is on your schedule for this year. Journal your ideas for a fun getaway. It would be so much fun!